Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or equivalent experience
5+ years of payroll experience
Experience in sports or entertainment with complex compensation structures is a plus
Strong knowledge of 401(k) plans and compliance
Familiarity with payroll laws and multi-jurisdictional tax regulations
Understanding of collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) and athlete compensation structures is a plus
Responsibilities
Complete end-to-end payroll processing for all employees, including athletes and part-time staff
Coordinate with tax manager and payroll provider on multi-state and international payroll requirements
Ensure compliance with league rules, CBAs, and tax regulations
Oversee employee deduction activities including 401K and garnishments
Manage payroll-related audits and requests
Review and approve payroll tax reports and ensure timely remittance
Provide cash management reporting for processed and projected payrolls
Partner with HR for oversight of HRIS/payroll systems
Benefits
Flexible work schedule during peak payroll processing times
Opportunity to work in a dynamic sports environment
Engagement with high-profile athletes and staff
Professional development opportunities in payroll and compliance
Collaborative work culture with basketball and accounting teams
Full Job Description
The Payroll Manager oversees all payroll operations for the organization, including NBA players (and future WNBA personnel), coaches, basketball operations staff, business operations staff, and part-time/event staff. This role requires knowledge of payroll regulations, league and tax compliance requirements, and the ability to manage highly confidential information with professionalism and discretion. The ideal candidate will also bring an innovative approach to improving and streamlining existing payroll processes and systems.
Key Responsibilities
Complete end-to-end payroll processing for all employees, including full-time and part-time staff, athletes, coaches, and game-day personnel
Coordinate with tax manager and payroll provider on multi-state/provincial and international payroll requirements for players and traveling staff, and communicate with Players and representatives
Coordinate with league representatives to ensure compliance with league rules, collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), and tax regulations
Oversee, review and coordinate all employee deduction activities including 401K and garnishments
Manage payroll-related audits and/or audit requests, including 401K, workers compensation, financial and league or regulatory reviews
Review and approve payroll tax reports and ensure timely remittance of taxes and statutory deductions; reconcile year end reporting with payroll provider
Provide cash management reporting for all processed and projected payrolls
Partner with HR for oversight of HRIS/payroll systems, ensuring data accuracy, security, and proper integration
Respond to manager, employee and designated representative payroll inquiries and resolve discrepancies
Assist with preparation of payroll journal entries, and month end payroll account reconciliations
Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or equivalent work experience in payroll field
5+ years of payroll experience
Experience in sports, entertainment, or organizations with complex compensation and taxation structures is a plus
Strong knowledge of 401(k) plans including management, oversight and compliance
Strong knowledge of payroll laws, tax regulations, and compliance requirements (multi-jurisdictional experience preferred)
Familiarity with CBAs and athlete compensation structures is a plus
Skills & Competencies
Deep attention to detail and accuracy
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information and word in a deadline-driven environment (NBA and WNBA calendars)
Proficiency in Paylocity payroll system a plus and advanced Excel skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Working Conditions
Position requires flexible work during certain times including bi-weekly and semi-monthly payroll processing, basketball season, and year-end processing
Coordination with basketball and accounting staff
Preferred (NBA-Specific Experience)
Experience working with contracts, bonuses, and special payroll payments
Experience handling payroll for unionized environments and high-profile employees
Experience with the state wage allocation
About National Basketball Association
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a men's professional basketball league in North America, composed of 30 teams. It is one of the four major professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada, and is widely considered to be the premier men's professional basketball league in the world. The NBA was founded in 1946 and is headquartered in New York City. The league's revenue comes from ticket sales, merchandise, sponsorships, and media rights. The NBA has a global following and is broadcast in over 215 countries and territories.
